FAREWELL 2024 - Legends who will be sorely missed

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FAREWELL 2024 - Legends who will be sorely missed

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Updated On: Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:25:06 PKT

By Arshad Shafiq 

Year 2024 is about to depart like previous years, giving the mixed feelings of grim and gaiety. 

Those who have lost their loved ones and cherished personalities will call it the year of sadness and those who have welcomed new ones will consider it a blissful time. 

So, those who have lost their dear ones in 2024 will definitely dilute their feelings of sorrow and lighten their heavy hearts by paying them homage. 

Let’s have a look at life sketches of those who bade adieu to this abode for eternal life in 2024. 

NOTABLE CELEBRITIES 

KHALID BUTT 

Khalid Butt passed away on Jan 11, 2024. His untimely death left a profound impact on both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers who had recently discovered his work. 

Khalid Butt was a veteran actor who started his illustrious career with PTV. Over the years, he earned widespread recognition and admiration for his versatile performances. 

After a brief break from showbiz, he made a strong comeback to television with new dramas Jeevan Nagar and Khaie. During the production of these dramas, Khalid faced significant health challenges, including heart and lung issues. 

Despite these difficulties, he remained dedicated to his work, demonstrating an unshakable commitment to his craft. 

RASHID DAR 

Rashid Dar, a veteran producer and a key figure in the core PTV team during its golden era, is another prominent name among the Pakistani celebrities who passed away. He breathed his last on March 20. 

He is best known for his work in Andhera Ujala, a classic that continues to captivate younger audience whenever it is aired. He has left behind a lasting legacy in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. 

TALAT HUSSAIN 

The Pakistan entertainment industry suffered a great loss this year with the passing of Talat Hussain, a revered figure whose contributions to the arts were immeasurable. Known for his captivating performances and exceptional vocal prowess, he set a standard of excellence admired by many.

Talat Hussain’s talent transcended multiple mediums, including television and theatre, leaving an indelible legacy in both fields. 

Despite battling health challenges in recent years, his legacy continues to inspire countless fans and aspiring artists. He passed away in Karachi on May 26, 2024, leaving behind a remarkable body of work and treasured memories. 

TASKEEN ZAFAR 

Taskeen Zafar was one of the Pakistani celebrities who sadly left her fans and family forever this year. She was a renowned newscaster from the golden era of PTV and also worked with Radio Pakistan. After a brief illness, she passed away this year at the age of 67. 

NAHEED ANSARI 

Naheed Ansari was one of the most skilled and beloved chefs on Pakistani television. With her charming personality and exceptional culinary skills, she won the hearts of audiences, gracefully showcasing her cooking techniques on various channels. 

Her recipes and invaluable tips became a staple in many Pakistani households, inspiring countless home cooks to embrace and enjoy the art of cooking. Over the years, she garnered a loyal following, leaving a profound impact on Pakistan’s culinary scene. 

Tragically, Naheed Ansari passed away on July 5 after a brave battle with cancer, leaving behind a lasting legacy of delicious recipes and cherished memories in the hearts of her fans and viewers. 

SARDAR KAMAL

Also Read: 'Mazaq Raat' star Sardar Kamal passes away

Famous comedian and actor Sardar Kamal was one of the Pakistani celebrities who passed away in 2024. The star passed away on July 30 after suffering a heart attack. His fans were heartbroken as he had brought joy and smiles to millions throughout his life. 

HANIYA ASLAM 

Another tragic loss from the Pakistani celebrity community was that of Haniya Aslam. The news came as a shock to her fans, especially those who followed Zeb and Haniya, as she was only 39 years old. She died on Aug 11. 

Haniya had gifted Pakistan countless beautiful songs, and her sudden passing due to a cardiac arrest left a void in the music industry. Her death is an immense loss, and she will be deeply missed by all who appreciated her talent. 

YAHYA (SHAGUFTA EJAZ’S HUSBAND) 

Shagufta Ejaz’s husband, Yahya Siddiqui, passed away on Sept 12 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. The former producer had become a familiar face to many through his appearances on Shagufta Ejaz’s vlogs. 

Known for his kindness, he was deeply loved by those around him. Yahya leaves behind a devoted family and lived life to the fullest, cherishing every moment with them until his final breath. 

ALTAF HUSSAIN 

Veteran filmmaker Altaf Hussain is also among the Pakistani celebrities we lost this year. He died on Sept 16. A prominent producer and director, he made significant contributions to both Urdu and Punjabi cinema, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. 

MAZHAR ALI 

PTV star Mazhar Ali passed away on Oct 8. Known for his roles in popular shows like Aroosa, Afshan, and Deemak, he was a beloved figure in the industry. Having relocated to the USA, he passed away in Houston after a brief illness. 

ABID KASHMIRI 

Abid Kashmiri, another beloved name in the entertainment industry, left his fans this year. The star passed away on Oct 11. 

With a distinguished career in theatre, television, and film, he had won the hearts of many. Known for his exceptional talent, he had moved to the USA with his family.

Also Read: SUNSET 2023 - Gone but not forgotten

USTAD TAFU 

Ustad Tafu Khan, the legendary musician and tabla nawaz from Pakistan, passed away on Oct 26 in Lahore. His unmatched legacy in the music industry spanned decades, during which he collaborated with some of the biggest singers in the country. His contribution to the art form will always be remembered. 

FURQAN HAIDER RIZVI 

Famed theatre producer Furqan Haider Rizvi passed away on Nov 10 in Dallas, USA. He was behind many successful shows, with his most notable work being Bakra Qiston Pe, which starred the late Omar Sharif. 

Though life moves forward, the memories and legacies of these stars remain, as each has left an indelible mark through their contributions to the arts. 

NOTED SPORTSMEN  

CRICKETER SAEED AHMED 

Pakistani cricketer Saeed Ahmed is another prominent figure who passed away this year. He died on March 20 at the age of 86, leaving his fans heartbroken and his family in deep mourning. 

Saeed, who played 41 Tests between 1958 and 1973, captained the side briefly, for three drawn Test matches against England in 1969, replacing Hanif Mohammad. 

He scored 2,991 Test runs, including five centuries, three of which came against India. A capable off-spinner, he also took 22 wickets. After retirement, Saeed stepped away from cricket, never working in the sport again. 

He lived by himself in Lahore for several years, living a reclusive life with few friends or family for company, while his deteriorating health required repeated hospital visits. He is survived by two sons, a daughter, and half-brother Younis Ahmed, who played four Tests for Pakistan. 

NAZIR JUNIOR 

Former cricketer and umpire Nazir Junior passed away in Lahore on Nov 21. He was 78. 

Born on March 8, 1946 in Rawalpindi, Nazir started his Test career on October 24, 1969 against New Zealand and played his last Test against Australia in December 1983.

Nazir played 14 Test and four ODIs for Pakistan. A classy off-spinner, he was the first bowler to get seven wickets in maiden Test innings - 7 for 99 runs. 

He had 37 wickets under his belt. He played his first ODI on Nov 21, 1980 against the West Indies and the last on Jan 10, 1984 against Australia. He also made out his name in umpiring and officiated in 15 ODIs and five Test matches.

TENNIS STAR ZAINAB ALI 

Pakistan’s tennis fraternity was in mourning after budding youngster Zainab Ali Naqvi, who was competing in the ITF Junior Tennis Championship, passed away on Feb 13 because of heart failure at the age of just 18.

Zainab was a brilliant player and the bronze medallist of last year’s National Games. 

JUDOKA FIZA SHER ALI 

Fiza Sher Ali, a Pakistani judoka, died on March 4 after suffering head injuries. She was 20. 

She couldn't recover from the head injuries she suffered while competing in the 44kg category fight during a Youth Talent Hunt programme in Mardan. 

TALLEST MAN ZIA RASHEED 

Pakistan’s tallest man Zia Rasheed died at the age of 30 on July 2. He coincidentally died at the 26th death anniversary of Alam Channa, another Pakistani who was once the tallest living person on earth. 

Rasheed is believed to have reached the height of 8 feet by the time he was 18, but his stature brought with it a host of illnesses associated with being too tall. 

DEPARTED POLITICIANS

SARTAJ AZIZ 

Former finance minister Sartaj Aziz passed away on Jan 2. Aziz held senior positions at the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission, shaping economic policies that “steered Pakistan through crucial eras”. 

He was an iconic figure who served Pakistan selflessly and with exemplary dedication. He was a leader who played an important role in the development of Pakistan. Sartaj Aziz’s services for solving the country’s economic problems are unforgettable. 

REHAN ZEB KHAN 

Rehan Zeb Khan died on Jan 31. He was a leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Rehan Zeb Khan was running his election campaign in Bajaur district when unidentified armed men opened fire on his vehicle. 

Rehan was taken to the District Headquarters (DHQ) hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The PTI said that Rehan was a party candidate for a National Assembly seat.

ILLAHI BUX SOOMRO 

Veteran politician and former speaker of the National Assembly Illahi Bux Soomro passed away on Oct 9 at the age of 98. Born on May 15, 1926, Soomro was elected as the 16th speaker of the National Assembly on Feb 16, 1997.

He returned to the NA several times since 1985 and held several important portfolios in federal cabinets of former prime ministers Mohammad Khan Junejo and Nawaz Sharif. The veteran politician, who was also an engineer, had made a record of becoming four times the chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council. 

JOURNALIST KHALED AHMED  

Veteran journalist Khaled Ahmed passed away on Nov 17 in Lahore after losing his battle with cancer. He was 81.

He was born in the historic Indian city of Jalandhar in 1943. After the partition, he migrated to Pakistan and settled in Lahore. Ahmed graduated from Government College (GC) Lahore in 1965 before going on to complete his MA (Honours) from the University of Punjab, ending up on the honour roll of the varsity. 

He also acquired a diploma in the German language. Later, he also learned Russian, earning a diploma in the language from Moscow State University in 1970, and he went on to serve in official positions in Russia and Eastern Europe. 

He wrote several books on the changes taking place in Pakistan, including The State in Crisis, Pakistan: Behind the Ideological Mask (Facts Behind the Great Men We Don't Want to Know), Word for Word: Stories Behind Everyday Words We Use and Pakistan's Terror Conundrum.